The third time is indeed a charm for the Mazdaspeed 3, and with a new Mazda 3 on the way, it looks like this car will retire with an undefeated 3-0 comparo record. This latest win didn’t come easy. This is a strong group of cars, and each has its own appeal. Some test drivers in our group preferred the ride and handling of the Cobalt, others favored the GTI’s superior refinement, and so on throughout the field. But the Mazda, we all agreed, offers the best combination of speed, value, and sophistication.

The speed part comes courtesy of the 2.3-liter direct-injection turbo four-cylinder with its explosive power delivery and comparo-best 280 pound-feet of torque. Despite losing steam above 6000 rpm (Mazda says a smaller turbo designed for less lag and the high demands on the fuel-delivery system have trouble keeping up at high revs), the Mazdaspeed 3 pulls strongly enough from a stop to take second place in drag-strip runs. Actually, it pulls too strongly for some: Torque steer is present in the first two gears and on occasion even in third, a trait exacerbated by uneven road surfaces.

In terms of value, the Grand Touring model we tested is only $450 more than the least-expensive Civic, and includes xenon headlamps, LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, Bose stereo, and Alcantara trim on the seats. If you can go without those luxuries, the Sport model is a mere $23,410. Either way, the Mazda also has the largest rear-seat and cargo volume, and we rated the front and rear comfort high.

As for sophistication, we point to the high-class cabin and the way the Mazda goes down the road. Everything feels solid, such as brakes that refuse to fade and steering (torque steer notwithstanding) that returns a weighted, linear response to the driver’s input. Complaints are few: The gear shift feels slightly ropy, and the radio controls still confuse us from time to time.

The Best and Others to Consider

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Editors' Rating

Starting at

$26,415

The Golf GTI is the progenitor of the hot-hatch genre, and age has not dulled its abilities—so we name it a 10Best winner.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Editors' Rating

Starting at

$36,475

If you love the Golf GTI but crave more power, check out the Golf R—it, too, is a 10Best winner.

The Editors' Rating summarizes a vehicle's overall degree of excellence and is determined by our editors, who evaluate hundreds of vehicles every year and consider numerous factors both objective and subjective.

Editors' Rating

Starting at

$34,775

Honda fanboys and fangirls, your patience has been rewarded: For the first time in the U.S., the Civic Type R is here, and it’s glorious.